Step-by-Step

Fix the earbud

Photo 1: Desolder first

Wick up the old solder with
desoldering braid for a fresh,
clean start. Find it at an electronics
store or online. Or use a
scrap piece of lamp cord to soak
up the solder.

2 of 2

Photo 2: Solder the connection

Place the wire on the circuit
board and hold it in place with the
tip of the soldering iron. Add
solder. Then remove the hot iron
and hold the wire in place until the
solder cools.

Cheap earbuds are disposable, but don’t
toss out an expensive pair. If the problem is a
broken connection, you can fix them yourself
with a soldering iron and electronics solder.

First locate the problem. If only one speaker
is acting up, the problem is likely the connection
in that earbud.

Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pry the
earbud housing apart. You may have to superglue
the two pieces back together when you’re
done. Look for a wire that’s broken away from
the circuit board. If you find one, first remove
the blob of old solder with desoldering braid
(from an electronics store) or an old piece of
lamp cord (Photo 1). Then resolder the loose
wire with .032-diameter electronics solder
(Photo 2).

Allow the soldered connection to cool and
then test the earbud.

Fix the jack

1 of 1

Check the connections at the jack

Unscrew the
plastic protective
barrel and look
for a broken wire.
If you find one,
resolder it.

If the earbuds still don’t
work, you may have a broken wire at the jack.
If so, resolder the broken wire.

If neither channel is working, the problem
may be in the plug or jack. Replacement jacks
are available online or at an electronics store
for less than $5. Make sure you allow the solder
to cool down before placing the bud in your ear.

Tools & Materials

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

Small flat-blade screwdriver

Soldering iron

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.